On Stage: For Segal, music led to recovery and soothing others with jazz

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Alan Segal Alan Segal had a life-changing event several years ago. Prior to the event, he had a positive effect on people financially – helping them navigate the world of personal finances. When Segal resumed activity after the event, he had a positive effect on people spiritually – not with religious topics but rather with soul-soothing music. Segal...

Column: Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing county shares what it’s learning from expanded data collection

By Gary Smith, President & CEO, Chester County Economic Development Council  & Michael Grigalonis, COO & EVP, Chester County Economic Development Council Gary Smith Chester County is projected to be the fastest growing county in southeastern Pennsylvania, with growth of more than 25% anticipated by 2050. With a 2020 population of just over half a million people, the county is expected...

West Chester Christmas Parade to return in 2022

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce says the West Chester Christmas Parade will once again be held in early December, and thousands of holiday lights will decorate the streets of the borough from Thanksgiving to Christmas during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is announcing...

Inner Nature: Fibers for Fabric

By Vidya Rajan, Columnist, The Times In my Inner Nature article on the dye called Tyrian purple, I alluded to its stratospheric value in ancient times because it adhered to fabric and also darkened over time. Consequently, I thought to look at the origins of the fabrics that we wear and use, focusing on fabrics of natural origin. But before discussing specific fabrics, I need to touch on some other...

Democrats throwing mud in primary may hurt efforts in the fall

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa For a number of weeks, I’ve been wanting to write a column about the dysfunction in the Democratic race for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania — but every time I’d be poised to do so, the Republicans in either or both the gubernatorial or U.S. Senate race would do something so out there it could not be ignored. But the fact of the matter is while the GOP...

Commissioners celebrate Earth Day with opening of final phase of Schuylkill River Trail

Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline (l) and Josh Maxwell (right) lead the official opening cycling of the Schuylkill River Trail. The Chester County Commissioners and the County’s Parks + Preservation staff marked the significance of Earth Day Friday with the official opening of a two-mile section of the County’s final portion of the Schuylkill River Trail. The Friday afternoon event...

What To Do: West Chester Film Festival tops busy weekend of events

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Spring is here with flowers in bloom everywhere. Winter is now in the rear-view mirror (hopefully) and COVID restrictions are beginning to fade away. Not surprisingly, the area’s schedule of special things is filled to the brim. Three of the area’s popular events have returned this year – a film festival and a pair of art shows – and there a...

Chester County achieves milestone in preserved open space and celebrates with Open Space Summit

Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline announced the achievement of a significant milestone for the county:  More than 30 percent of Chester County has now been preserved as open space.  According to the analysis of the Chester County Planning Commission’s Protected Open Space Tracking – or POST – system, as of December 31, 2021, Chester County has...

On Stage: Time for some laughs with Steve Treviño

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Steve Treviño These days, we all need something to brighten our day – something to laugh about. Fortunately, there are several comedy shows on the area schedule that are worth checking out. After all, April is National Humor Month. From April 21-23, Steve Treviño will bring his “America’s Favorite Husband” tour to Philadelphia for a three-night...

Houlahan holds ‘State of the Sixth’ town hall in Phoenixville

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan addresses the audience at the Colonial Theater in Phoenixville. PHOENIXVILLE – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-6) reflected on her State of the Sixth Town Hall Tuesday night: “In ‘normal’ circumstances, gathering together in this historic theatre would be special –but last night, it was very special because this gathering and this event marked more than two years...